DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Merit Street Media™, the news and entertainment media network founded by Dr. Phil McGraw, officially premiers today, bringing a lineup of captivating shows and innovative content to over 80 million homes — the largest network TV launch in decades. This milestone achievement is made possible through broadly scaled distribution partnerships, encompassing a mix of broadcast, cable, national satellite, and FAST (Free Ad-Supported Television) channel platforms.
Cable and satellite subscribers can watch Merit Street Media across multiple platforms, including DIRECTV (Channel 306), DISH (Channel 247 on April 3) and U-verse TV (Channel 168), and Xfinity/Comcast viewers in Pittsburgh, Boston, Philadelphia, NYC, DC, Baltimore can watch on Channel 1097 with additional cities scheduled to join in May. Additionally, over 40 local broadcast stations nationwide carry Merit Street Media. To find a channel, viewers can enter their zip code at www.meritstreetmedia.com or call the telephone helpline: 844-826-6787
Later this month, Merit Street Media will become available exclusively on FAST through a groundbreaking partnership with Samsung TV Plus, the leader in free, smart TV content innovation. Merit Street Media will begin in 20 million homes on Samsung Smart TVs – the first FAST platform to offer Dr. Phil content – and will continue to roll out to millions of additional user homes and devices over the coming months.
Viewers can also tune in by downloading Merit+, the free app for live streaming and on-demand playback. Merit+ can be downloaded on iPhone and Android mobile devices, Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV, and Roku.
With its expansive reach and diverse distribution channels, Merit Street Media will bring its rich tapestry of original and acquired programming to viewers nationwide. The network’s premiere-week programming for April 2, 2024 includes:
- “Morning on Merit Street” (Live, Weekdays 8-10 AM ET): A fresh approach to the morning news that combines information, enlightenment, entertainment, and inspiration. With news you can use, the program will provide the latest news from overnight and that morning while also delivering actionable insights applicable to viewers' daily lives. From health and fitness to parental advice and financial guidance, award-winning journalists Dominique Sachse and Fanchon Stinger lead a team committed to making your morning a rewarding daily experience. “The Pulse” segments throughout the show feature overnight and breaking news, while scheduled topics include cell phones in classrooms, the latest in Alzheimer’s studies, red light therapy, an interview with author Deepak Chopra, and the new generation of female NASA astronauts.
- “Crime Stories with Nancy Grace” (Weeknights 6-7 PM ET): Nancy Grace, the outspoken and passionate former prosecutor, explores the inside stories of true crimes—ripped from today’s headlines— as well as cold cases waiting for new leads. In these all-new episodes, Grace aims to bring closure and justice to families still grappling with the pain of unresolved tragedies.
- “The News on Merit Street” (Live, Weeknights 7-8 PM ET): Takes a comprehensive approach to the day's top headlines. In an era where news headlines are often misleading and sensationalized, "The News" pledges to fully investigate our world with a deeper dive into facts, figures, and history. Senior anchor Kris Gutierrez and co-hosts Lyndsay Keith and Loni Coombs will provide viewers with fact-based research to dispel misinformation every weeknight. Week one topics include cyber security threats, financial literacy, the collapse of public education, the fentanyl crisis, and an investigation into the lives of Americans struggling facing economic hardship.
- “Dr. Phil Primetime” (Weeknights 8-9 PM ET): Join the TV legend back on stage in a new Dallas studio tackling today’s headlines and social issues in his iconic direct, honest, and no-nonsense way. April topics include the rise of antisemitism in America, DEI, teachers in danger from their students, extreme parenting, how China is threatening American life, and a two-part special where Dr. Phil personally visits the border at Eagle Pass to investigate the immigration crisis.
- “Centuries Collide” (Saturdays 10-11:00 AM ET beginning April 6): Who was the first social media influencer? When was the computer invented? What was the first use of wireless technology? Would you believe each of these stories takes place centuries ago? And just who were the saints behind our favorite holidays? Host Cody Crouch invites you to explore fascinating moments in world history that made possible the technologies and traditions of the modern age.
- “The Scott Rasmussen Show” (Sundays 10-10:30 AM ET beginning April 7): Public opinion pollster Scott Rasmussen provides weekly updates on the challenges and opportunities facing the nation from the perspective of everyday Americans. More than just politics, his data and analysis explore the hopes, dreams, and values that drive our nation. Each all-new show will feature a commentary featuring Rassmussen's unique perspective, a deep dive into an issue or topic, and updates on how the public views current events.
Additional library programming daily and overnight includes classic episodes of “Dr. Phil,” packaged into “Dr. Phil – True Crime” and “Dr. Phil – Wake Up,” with parenting and family advice, “Bear Grylls: The Island,” “Somebody’s Gotta Do It” with Mike Rowe, and “Steve,” the talk show hosted by the iconic legend, Steve Harvey.
ABOUT MERIT STREET MEDIA
Merit Street Media™ is a premier multi-platform destination media brand spearheaded by Dr. Phil McGraw, the esteemed best-selling author and award-winning television host.
Launching April 2, 2024, Merit Street will create and distribute compelling content across diverse platforms, reaching audiences nationwide. The backbone of Merit Street's media presence is its television network, established in partnership with Trinity Broadcasting Network. This fully distributed, cable, satellite, and free over-the-air broadcast media brand extends its initial reach to over 80 million homes.
The network boasts a rich tapestry of original and acquired programming, anchored by the highly anticipated nightly talk show, "Dr. Phil Primetime." Situated in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area, the expansive Merit Street studios span 5 acres and serve as the dynamic hub for the brand. Here, multiple daily live news broadcasts will unfold, embodying Merit Street Media's commitment to delivering engaging and informative content. Visit www.meritstreetmedia.com.
